WNBA star Angel Reese has once again voiced her concerns about the low pay scale in women’s basketball, stating that her $73,000 annual salary is insufficient to meet her financial needs.
Reese, a talented 22-year-old forward for the Chicago Sky, is widely regarded as one of the league’s most promising athletes. However, her rising popularity hasn’t translated to financial comfort.
Reese made the startling revelation during an Instagram livestream in October 2024.
“I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said bluntly. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills, [the salary] isn’t enough to pay my car note, I wouldn’t even be able to eat, I wouldn’t be able to live.”
Reese further joked, “I’m living beyond my means!”
According to Reese, her $73,000 WNBA salary barely covers her $8,000 monthly rent, which totals $96,000 annually, meaning her basketball income doesn’t even meet her basic housing costs.
The disparity between the earnings of male and female athletes remains a heated topic, with NBA stars like Steph Curry reportedly making $51.9 million during the 2023/24 season.
In contrast, the highest-paid WNBA player, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, earns around $252,000 per year.
Unrivaled League Offers Financial Lifeline
While Reese‘s WNBA salary may be insufficient, she acknowledges that alternative opportunities have helped her achieve financial stability.
Speaking in May 2024, Reese expressed her gratitude for supplementary income through endorsements and her participation in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league designed to offer higher wages to women’s sports professionals.
“Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me,” she said.
Players in Unrivaled receive salaries of at least $100,000, with some earning as much as $220,000. Additionally, participants are granted equity in the organization, making the league a lucrative option for many WNBA stars.
However, these figures are still far from what their male counterparts make in the NBA. The wage gap remains a glaring issue, one that athletes like Angel Reese are not afraid to discuss openly.
The discussion about women’s pay in professional sports continues, and Reese‘s candidness has once again highlighted the massive financial disparity that persists in the industry.
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